Holiday Fire Prevention and Home Fire Safety Tips

About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 20,000 are injured.

"Chimney fires and bad cooking are common this time of year," said President Greg Nardine. "If you are using, or plan on using your chimney, be sure it has been cleaned by a professional.

"People are in a hurry (this time of year) and seem to be forgetful—unplug your tree before you go to bed or leave the house.

"You have got to have an evacuation plan and do not try to extinguish the fire yourself. Get out of the house.

"A family on Trotwood drive in North Strabane went out on Christmas Eve in 2004 and left their kids at home with their uncle. A space heater caught the home on fire and one child and the uncle died."

To avoid holiday fires, here are some tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) on how to stop a fire before it starts and what to do if you have a fire:

• Have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a “dual sensor smoke alarm.” A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
• Prepare an escape plan and practice it often. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.
• Do not place your holiday tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree and it could catch fire by heat, flame, or sparks more easily.
• Never put holiday tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• When the tree becomes dry, remove it from your home right away. The best way to get rid of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it collected by a community pick-up service.
• Check holiday lights each year for wires that are worn out or coming apart, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and a lot of bends or twists in the wire.
• Only use laboratory-tested lighting and extension cords.
• Never overload outlets or extension cords. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
• Do not leave lit holiday lights on unless someone is in the room.
• Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and put them where they cannot be easily knocked over and start a fire.
• Never leave the home with candles burning

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